Sunscreens are just sunscreens, right? Not so. Read more here to discover the potential danger of using a chemical sunscreen.
Did you know that some sunscreens may cause premature aging and potentially damage your skin and cause skin cancer? Protection from the sun is imperative when it comes to decreasing the risk of cancer and rate that our skin ages.
Sunscreens, however, fall into to 2 categories: chemical and physical (natural).
Physical Sunscreens
Physical sunscreens are typically made up of fine (micronized) powdered minerals, the most common being zinc oxide and titanium oxide, both being approved by the FDA as being effective in protecting against UVA & UVB rays. They are non-soluble and don’t penetrate the skin, actually deflecting the sun’s rays. We all think of zinc as that very unattractive thick white substance that we smear across our noses, but the wonders of technology have made it possible to produce sunblocks that not only absorb better, but also double as a moisturiser, some brands containing anti-aging ingredients – one less step in the morning routine!
Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, work mainly by absorbing UVA light. Chemical sunscreens contain chemicals that are soluble in water or oil and can penetrate the skin to some degree, leading to photosensitivity and the formation of free-radicals. Photosensitivity can cause skin damage, ie. irritation, rashes, acne and contribute to aging skin. It may even increase the risk of skin cancer.
Some manufacturers are trying to lessen the risks with new technologies, but with the advent of much improved physical sunblocks, it might be worth giving the natural products a try.
Conclusion
So ditch those nasty chemical-filled sunscreens and go get yourself a natural product.
